More Questions on this topic
More Questions on this topic ( 18 Questions)
The nurse is assisting with positioning a client for surgery in the lateral position. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique?
Placing a pillow under the dependent axilla is a proper technique for lateral positioning because it helps to prevent brachial plexus injury by reducing the pressure on the neurovascular structures in the axilla. It also helps to maintain the alignment of the shoulder and prevent shoulder drop.
Flexing both knees at a 90-degree angle is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive pressure on the knees and ankles, leading to nerve injury or skin breakdown. It can also impair venous return and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Only the dependent leg should be flexed at the hip and knee, while the upper leg should be straight and supported by pillows between the legs.
Aligning the shoulders directly over each other is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause compression of the dependent shoulder and compromise the blood supply to the arm. It can also cause shoulder drop and brachial plexus injury. The lower shoulder should be pulled slightly forward and supported by a pad under the chest wall.
Elevating the dependent arm on an arm board is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive abduction of the arm and stretch the brachial plexus. It can also interfere with surgical access to the thorax or kidney. Both arms should be supported on parallel arm boards with abduction less than 90 degrees.
Choice A reason:
Placing a pillow under the dependent axilla is a proper technique for lateral positioning because it helps to prevent brachial plexus injury by reducing the pressure on the neurovascular structures in the axilla. It also helps to maintain the alignment of the shoulder and prevent shoulder drop.
Choice B reason:
Flexing both knees at a 90-degree angle is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive pressure on the knees and ankles, leading to nerve injury or skin breakdown. It can also impair venous return and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Only the dependent leg should be flexed at the hip and knee, while the upper leg should be straight and supported by pillows between the legs.
Choice C reason:
Aligning the shoulders directly over each other is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause compression of the dependent shoulder and compromise the blood supply to the arm. It can also cause shoulder drop and brachial plexus injury. The lower shoulder should be pulled slightly forward and supported by a pad under the chest wall.
Choice D reason:
Elevating the dependent arm on an arm board is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive abduction of the arm and stretch the brachial plexus. It can also interfere with surgical access to the thorax or kidney. Both arms should be supported on parallel arm boards with abduction less than 90 degrees.